Little Giant Ladders...

[KnightFire]

I'm in the market for a GOOD quality extension ladder, I figure ~20' is good. I've been trying to do a bit of research and keep coming across review sites that simply are over the top, in their reviews of the Little Giant, I must admit, their quite impressive and multi-functional and their build quality looks good...but are they really worth the $$$. I'm looking at a 22' model for ~400.00

I'm hoping that someone out there has one or has direct working knowledge of these ladders and their thoughts on them. Or, if anyone out there knows of a similar/better product, by all means please post up!

Thanks!:beer:

[mhoffm911]

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?catg=535&item=150975&prDeTab=2#A

I don't have one, but the price is a lot less than your $400

[KnightFire]

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?catg=535&item=150975&prDeTab=2#A

I don't have one, but the price is a lot less than your $400

Hrmm, I don't even see a name I can cross-reference for that ladder. Do you?

Thanks!

[Jeeper]

Werner makes the same style ladder. Lot cheaper and you can get it at lowes or HD. I bought one a few years ago and it's the cats meow. Buy the biggest one they have.

http://www.wernerladder.com/newprods/mt.php

[KnightFire]

Werner makes the same style ladder. Lot cheaper and you can get it at lowes or HD. I bought one a few years ago and it's the cats meow. Buy the biggest one they have.

http://www.wernerladder.com/newprods/mt.php

Thanks for the link! I'm looking into the Gorilla (Home Depot brand -- made in China) and Werner (USA made Lowes Brand) knock-offs of the USA made Little Giant -- so far they appear to be nearly even in capability/customer satisfaction...and they cost 1/2 as much! The search continues :)

Here are couple of sites I've found comparing the 3:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8556/little_giant_versus_gorilla_ladders.html
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/repair/msg0719503625354.html

Edit:
After further research the Werner is NOT cheaper than the Little Giant - at least not the model I'm looking at...sigh...
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=89380-287-MT-26&lpage=none

[Danglerb]

Half as much, phew, last time at the fair I saw a little giant demo the "full" package was like, a lot, a very huge lot. Keep in mind I am a big guy, 250 lbs, so cheap ladders do nothing for me, but I like my Gorilla just fine.

[KnightFire]

Half as much, phew, last time at the fair I saw a little giant demo the "full" package was like, a lot, a very huge lot. Keep in mind I am a big guy, 250 lbs, so cheap ladders do nothing for me, but I like my Gorilla just fine.

That was a concern for me as well...solidity and weight of the ladder (I don't mind heavy, in fact I'd rather a heavy ladder, purely for stability sake) I'm not as big as you, but I'm close at 210lbs (add some tools, paint can, whatever, of course the weight increases). So I definitely want something that I'll feel safe on, while at the top...fully extended. I've been on flimsy extremely light aluminum Home Depot special ladders and they scare the crap outta me.

[Franz©]

Let me tell you about them there fancy do it all go anyplace set up like anything from a ladder to a sawhorse/scaffold/workbench ladders.

I owned one for 12 years, and it got heavier every time I used it. Not only heavier, but more of a PITA to haul around. Now, if you're planning to use it exactly the way it is used on the TV commercial, there ain't no better device known to mankind. Thing was, I really never used the thing to paint my stairwell, and it was too short to be a scaffold over LN's garden.
I should also probably mention them lock things that hold it in position. Over time they crap out. Just ain't any other way to say it, them locks leave plenty of room for improvement, especially the wonderful indicator. Now I assure you there is absolutely nothing more fun than a one size fitzall ladder goin wimpy under you when you're half way up the damn thing. OK, maybe it would be more fun if both locks let go at the same point in time, but I wasn't about to conduct that experiment. Sure, it was my obligation to check the locks for proper engagement prior to climbing, but how many people are really going to?

I figured I'd give that lock a lookover, probably fix whatever ailed it. NO you're not. The manufacturer very cleverly built that hinge/lock so it could not be field serviced. Now, when it was new the damn er I mean wonderful contraption undoubtedly had an 800 number on one of the 37 CAUTION stickers that I could have called for service, but 10 years down the road, it was obvious all them stickers were printed in self fading ink.

It's probably a good thing it was hard to transport, and the manufacturer wasn't close by or somebody at that factory woulda needed XXXlarge pants to accomodate the ladder protruding from their ass.

Fortunately a good samaritan came along and stold the damn thing. I don't even have any ill feelings toward that theif. That self collapsing ladder will wring the evil from his body and teach him the value of a stolen tool.

[KnightFire]

Let me tell you about them there fancy do it all go anyplace set up like anything from a ladder to a sawhorse/scaffold/workbench ladders.

I owned one for 12 years, and it got heavier every time I used it. Not only heavier, but more of a PITA to haul around. Now, if you're planning to use it exactly the way it is used on the TV commercial, there ain't no better device known to mankind. Thing was, I really never used the thing to paint my stairwell, and it was too short to be a scaffold over LN's garden.
I should also probably mention them lock things that hold it in position. Over time they crap out. Just ain't any other way to say it, them locks leave plenty of room for improvement, especially the wonderful indicator. Now I assure you there is absolutely nothing more fun than a one size fitzall ladder goin wimpy under you when you're half way up the damn thing. OK, maybe it would be more fun if both locks let go at the same point in time, but I wasn't about to conduct that experiment. Sure, it was my obligation to check the locks for proper engagement prior to climbing, but how many people are really going to?

I figured I'd give that lock a lookover, probably fix whatever ailed it. NO you're not. The manufacturer very cleverly built that hinge/lock so it could not be field serviced. Now, when it was new the damn er I mean wonderful contraption undoubtedly had an 800 number on one of the 37 CAUTION stickers that I could have called for service, but 10 years down the road, it was obvious all them stickers were printed in self fading ink.

It's probably a good thing it was hard to transport, and the manufacturer wasn't close by or somebody at that factory woulda needed XXXlarge pants to accomodate the ladder protruding from their ass.

Fortunately a good samaritan came along and stold the damn thing. I don't even have any ill feelings toward that theif. That self collapsing ladder will wring the evil from his body and teach him the value of a stolen tool.

Excellent points, thanks!!! Do you happen to remember the manuf. of the ladder you had?

[Danglerb]

http://www.littlegiantladder.com/

[eschoendorff]

Let me tell you about them there fancy do it all go anyplace set up like anything from a ladder to a sawhorse/scaffold/workbench ladders.

I owned one for 12 years, and it got heavier every time I used it. Not only heavier, but more of a PITA to haul around. Now, if you're planning to use it exactly the way it is used on the TV commercial, there ain't no better device known to mankind. Thing was, I really never used the thing to paint my stairwell, and it was too short to be a scaffold over LN's garden.
I should also probably mention them lock things that hold it in position. Over time they crap out. Just ain't any other way to say it, them locks leave plenty of room for improvement, especially the wonderful indicator. Now I assure you there is absolutely nothing more fun than a one size fitzall ladder goin wimpy under you when you're half way up the damn thing. OK, maybe it would be more fun if both locks let go at the same point in time, but I wasn't about to conduct that experiment. Sure, it was my obligation to check the locks for proper engagement prior to climbing, but how many people are really going to?

I figured I'd give that lock a lookover, probably fix whatever ailed it. NO you're not. The manufacturer very cleverly built that hinge/lock so it could not be field serviced. Now, when it was new the damn er I mean wonderful contraption undoubtedly had an 800 number on one of the 37 CAUTION stickers that I could have called for service, but 10 years down the road, it was obvious all them stickers were printed in self fading ink.

It's probably a good thing it was hard to transport, and the manufacturer wasn't close by or somebody at that factory woulda needed XXXlarge pants to accomodate the ladder protruding from their ass.

Fortunately a good samaritan came along and stold the damn thing. I don't even have any ill feelings toward that theif. That self collapsing ladder will wring the evil from his body and teach him the value of a stolen tool.

Best. Post. Ever! :lol:

BTW... I was reading on another board that some time ago, people were having a lot of trouble with the knock-offs. Maybe the problem has been resolved by now. In any case, I would ask these guys about the ladder in question:

http://forums.jlconline.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=16

[MAD]

I just bought a Little Giant MXZ Skyscraper A-frame ladder (not an extension ladder) at work for reaching stage lighting over multi-level seating and scenic platforms. I am very impressed with the quality. It is extremely sturdy- worth every penny.

http://www.littlegiantladder.com/little-giant/skyscraper.html

[Charles (in GA)]

I have a 22 ft Little Giant (by Wing Industries) and I also have the Home Depot knockoff, a Gorilla ladder that is identical except for the color of the plastic caps on the feet. Wing sued for patent infringement and won, most of the articulating gorilla ladders are gone from the stores now. I bought mine for $149 after I pointed out to the manager that it was the last one and there would be no more. HD is still cleaning out the warehouses and a few keep turning up.

The difference between the Little Giant and the Gorilla is tremendous, if not only in details. The smoothness of operation, of the latches, of the sliding sections, is much better with the Little Giant. I spent an hour with the Gorilla trying to slick it with silicone spray and other lubes to make it work smooth, and while improved somewhat, it still is not as good as the LG right out of the box.

This ladder IS big and heavy, do you really want to be 20 ft up on a feather weight? I have a 20 ft super lightweight extension ladder that my dad bought in the '60's and while I will use it up to about 12 or 14 ft. that is the limit for me, and I'm shaking the whole time compared to the LG.

You'all always gripe about Chinese vs American made, and here it is. Do you feel safe putting yourself up on a 22 ft ladder welded up in China? I bought the Gorilla to use as a matching walkboard support for the LG, probably not over 4 or 6 ft high. I'm not uncomfortable on the Gorilla, but it is more difficult to operate and if I have to go high, I go for the LG because I TRUST it. Possibly I will eventually get used to the Gorilla and begin to trust it, but not yet, and I'm yet to use it for a walkboard support.

Neighbor lady has an old Werner articulating ladder and I will not use it, the latches are a horrid design that don't always work, not sure if they still use that design of latch or not though.

Charles

[mhoffm911]

Did a little more digging...the one at Sam's Club is made by a company called Cosco (not Costco - their competitor).

Decent reviews here:

http://www.inspectorsjournal.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=101

Manufacturer website here (along with video):

http://www.coscoproducts.com/cosco/indproduct.asp?productID=431

[chad s]

Werner makes the same style ladder. Lot cheaper and you can get it at lowes or HD. I bought one a few years ago and it's the cats meow. Buy the biggest one they have.

http://www.wernerladder.com/newprods/mt.php

We have a few of the wener versions. Very nice, awsome to stand on, but very heavy to carry around. For many situations, its worth the extra weight though.

[DiStOrTiOn]

We've got one of the gorilla ones at work, at my last job we had the werner version, and i've used the little giant as well. They all function about the same, but the little giant is heavier, and sturdier as well. My cousin (in the high 200 weight range, and myself ~185) can each stand on a side, or the same side, of that little giant. I would go with the american made LG, it's heavy, but it's worth the weight if you're going to be up high. As charles said, he trusts the LG. I give the same endorsement.

[PAToyota]

I've got one of the Werner versions and have to admit that it is heavy and the joints are a bit of a cludge - but it does work well for those awkward things like painting stairwells and bridging over things where I'd have to set up a scaffold and such.

I picked up one of the Gorilla versions for my sister and B-I-L and it does work easier with the joints than the Werner version.

[Jeeper]

i have the 22 ft werner version and I've been very happy with it. It's heavy, but like someone said, do you want something light weight when you are high up in the air. The hinges operate easily and the slide extensions are easy to operate.

I think i paid 200 for mine a few years ago.

[hotrod66paul]

I have the little giant and would not trust anything else over the height of a step stool. Years ago I fell off of a cheap aluminum extension ladder and missed a weeks work so the price of the little giant is worth the peace of mind it provides me. Just a comment from a satisfied owner.:thumbup:

[Junkman]

I have a 20+ foot LG ladder that I purchased in the early 1980's after falling from an aluminum ladder that broke in the middle. More than my pride was hurt in that fall, so the LG was a no brainer for me. It was expensive, but worth every penny to this day. It has gotten heavier as I have also, so I don't use it as much as I used to. I also picked up a Gorilla brand ladder that is about 4' folded, so it probably opens up to about a 8' extension ladder, and it works smooth as can be. In fact, I got it at a swap meet for $25 and thought that it was a LG until I got it home and started to look it over closely. I have never had any problems with the larger LG ladder, and it has spent more than its fair share of time out in the weather when I was building. The only thing that has failed on it, is the powder coating that they applied to make it "shock proof". You might say that it was a good idea that didn't work out in practicality. I do like the newer models that have the "quick" release on the hinges as compared to my older model that you have to pull the release out to fold the ladder. I remember that they said to spray the ladder sliding areas with Pride furniture polish to keep it properly lubed. I have never used anything other than the Pride on it, and it works as well today as it did the day that I purchased it. I also have the sliding scaffold, the leg extension, step / pail holder, and the stand offs. When I purchased my ladder, it was the demo at a home show, so the guy threw in all the extras into one price. I had the booth next to him, and he told me that he was selling it at his cost to me, so he didn't need to carry it home. Some of the "extras" have never been used!!

[Quiksilver]

I have the Werner MT22 that is mentioned in one of the earlier post.

Yes, it's heavy. but so am I.

I actually feel comfortable on it.
I seem to have no real problems getting the latches to work, but that is because when my ass is on the line, I make sure to check them.
I have not used the Little Giant or the Gorilla, so I don't know how helpful this post is but I would like to say that I am fully satisfied with my purchase.

[Danglerb]

The "ladder" type thing I use the most is the giant step stool type thing Cosco makes. Its about two steps up to a fair sized platform to stand on, an a worktop higher up with a locking drawer for small items and a spot for a bucket of paint etc. on the top. Easy to carry, easy to work from, everybody I let borrow it has gone and bought one for themselves.

My Gorilla ladder was like $89 at Home Depot, is not as easy to move around, but has worked fine for me both straight out and in the funky stairwell and offset from wall modes.

If I was making my living every day on the end of a taller ladder, price would not enter into the picture. I wouldn't own a ladder taller than 12', cause I am NOT going up there. For awhile I thought that maybe I should have bought the bigger model from Gorilla, but its done the job and the other one is even less easy to carry around.

[Motochris]

I bought one of the LG ladders about 2 years ago. For what I need it for, it's fit's the bill perfectly. It's a pain to open it to the longer settings and still get it onto the side of the building, but other than that, it's great. Like others mentioned....it's heavy.
Oh yea...it seems to flex more than the extension ladder it replaced. Basically it "moves" more as you go up.

[KnightFire]

Wow, thanks for the replies everyone...I've got lots of information to chew on now!

[cad70]

I know you listed a 21', but here is a smoking deal on a 17' Gorilla per Black Friday ads....http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/black-friday-4265-Gorilla17AluminumMultiPositionLadder.html

I used my neighbors 13' on Saturday while insulating my garage attic, and figured I'd look around for one similar. How about the next size up and cheaper......

[cad70]

The Gorilla is listed for 300lbs for what it's worth....
http://www.gorillaladders.net/pc-17-5-17-aluminum.aspx

[Honda 1]

I have the Little Giant ladder and have used it for years. Like you guys, I am a big guy and it holds up very well. It's a very sturdy ladder and I have not experienced any problems with the locks on the ladder.
Sears now sells them and I believe that I saw the 22' version offered for slightly over $200. You may want to look into it.

[lbgradwell]

You should also consider the Canadian-made JAWS ladder by Featherlite. It is also an articulating ladder with multiple positions, and is very, very strong.

It is heavy, and it is expensive, but if you want a ladder you can trust & rely on, it has my endorsement.

You can check out the specs at http://www.houseofladders.ca, and it can be ordered in the USA (currently at reduced prices) via http://www.uncommonflagpoles.com/jaalla.html.

[Danglerb]

I know you listed a 21', but here is a smoking deal on a 17' Gorilla per Black Friday ads....http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/black-friday-4265-Gorilla17AluminumMultiPositionLadder.html


$89 for 17' makes me tempted to get one even though I have the 13' now. I've got a smoke detector WAY up at the top of our entry hall, and my 13' kind of needs one or two more useful steps to make it a pleasant job.

[Hutch]

I've used something similar to the climbtek articulating ladder as well as the little giant. I find the little giant to be less versatile and it is significantly heavier (read hard to move around) there is a reason the new ones have wheels on them! I wish I remembered what brand the other one was, it was a great ladder.

[banzaitoyota]

I like my scaffolding

[Cobra6]

The $89 Black Friday deal for the 17' is a good deal - you also get one of the tray/step accessory pieces with it.
I had looked at the Gorilla ladders for a while, but wasn't sue which size I wanted/needed, and this made up my mind. The 13' ladder was just a little short for me to do a couple of things, and the 21' was a little bigger than I wanted todeal with.
I would jump on this quickly though, as I think this is a one-time promotion deal, and only a certain number of these are at each store.

[Danglerb]

Price at Orange CALIF store was $89 with a normal looking not new tag on the shelf, but only three of the ladders, and all looked kinda shelf worn. This was the 17' Limited Edition with the free something. I was in bit of a hurry, already have the 13', so I skipped it, which I may regret when I get around to replacing my highest smoke detector.

Home Depot had about an 8' long display of Little Giant, my guess is that they would prefer to sell $300 ladders than $89 ladders. I don't see Gorilla rolling over, maybe new models will be showing up soon.

[wilbilt]

According to This site (http://bfads.net/Sears-Online-Thursday), Sears.com is having a Thursday sale. Supposedly the Little Giant 21' ladder is on sale for $219.

The sears site is currently showing the regular price, though.

[danski0224]

I'm in the market for a GOOD quality extension ladder, I figure ~20' is good. I've been trying to do a bit of research and keep coming across review sites that simply are over the top, in their reviews of the Little Giant, I must admit, their quite impressive and multi-functional and their build quality looks good...but are they really worth the $$$. I'm looking at a 22' model for ~400.00

I'm hoping that someone out there has one or has direct working knowledge of these ladders and their thoughts on them. Or, if anyone out there knows of a similar/better product, by all means please post up!

Thanks!:beer:

I own a Little Giant 13' model.

Best ladder purchase I have made (second best is a Werner heavy duty 3' stepladder). Tall enough to do what I need most of the time and small for storage and transporting in my car.

I have also used the Gorilla 17' version. While it *looked* like a Little Giant, it did not operate as smoothly as one. Big thing to consider if you actually plan on using this type of product more than once or twice a year.

Then there is the whole China/USA thing. There is quite a bit of markup on those Chinese made Gorilla ladders. I have not seen a USA made Little Giant knockoff at any retailer. The Gorilla was the closest carbon copy knokoff, but pay attention to the construction detals of the other knockoffs- crimped and riveted rungs for example.

I also own a couple of 24' extension ladders and dedicated 8' and 6' stepladders- all of which are Type 1A.

Yes, the Little Giant ladders are heavy. Due to the wide base and top, they are also very stable when used as an extension ladder.

Go pick up a comparably rated (weight capacity and extension length) standard extrension ladder and it isn't a whole lot lighter. Now, try to fold that extension ladder and use it for something else. Try and put that extension ladder on anything without a ladder rack, or in a small SUV. Where will you store that extension ladder?

Now that you have a nice dedicated extension ladder, you need another ladder for lower stuff... and a place to put it.

Sounds like their infomercial, but it is true.

One of the coolest things you can do with a Little Giant is use it as a regular A frame ladder *right up against* a wall. This is done by having the wall side one rung lower than the climbing side. It is nice to work on stuff right in front of you instead of using a regular ladder parallel to the wall and twisting your body to face the work. The ladder angle isn't what you are used to, but you adjust to that.

Using a regular ladder leaned up against a wall can lead to the bottom kicking out and a quick gravity assisted ride down. Not a good thing.

The other nice thing with the Little Giant is the lack of spreaders. This comes in handy when there is a table or short wall right where you need to set up a ladder (if you earn money working off a ladder, this happens more often than you think).

If I was on a job where a dedicated 8' stepladder would do for the the tasks needed, then I wouldn't want to use the Little Giant because of the weight difference.

However, if you need more than one ladder around the house or on the job frequently (and even infrequently around the house), then the Little Giant is pretty hard to beat.

This site: www.demoladder.com sells "scratch and dent" Little Giant products for a discount. You also give up the longer warranty.

I don't see how the locking and latching mechanisims could ever fail on a Little Giant product, as long as said latches and locking mechanisims were used properly and the ladder itself is in serviceable condition.

Lot of people out there using ladders that should be destroyed, but are too cheap and stupid to do so. Or they are too cheap to buy a contractor grade ladder. Then they blame the ladder when it fails.

A ladder is not the place to try and save some money on the purchase.

[SteveL]

Having lost half of my right pinky finger from using a cheap aluminum ladder, I will never, ever, ever step foot on one again! Freinds now refer to me as 9 1/2 and I have the constant reminder that you get what you pay for. There are times when a lessor quality tool is fine, but when you are putting yourself in a position to be seriously hurt, why would you scrimp to save a couple of bucks? If you look at the cost difference over the life of the ladder, it's nothing. If you can't afford a good one, wait until you can. I spent way more than the cost of the ladder on the ER room expenses alone. And it's a real bitch to find gloves that fit now.:lol_hitti

[wilbilt]

Wow, SteveL...sorry to hear about that. I prefer good ladders myself.

We used to have an old neighbor lady that had lost half a finger, but hers happened in a folding aluminum lawn chair.

My ladders are all fiberglass. I don't like the "aluminum wobble".

[Junkman]

Having lost half of my right pinky finger from using a cheap aluminum ladder, I will never, ever, ever step foot on one again! Freinds now refer to me as 9 1/2 and I have the constant reminder that you get what you pay for. There are times when a lessor quality tool is fine, but when you are putting yourself in a position to be seriously hurt, why would you scrimp to save a couple of bucks? If you look at the cost difference over the life of the ladder, it's nothing. If you can't afford a good one, wait until you can. I spent way more than the cost of the ladder on the ER room expenses alone. And it's a real bitch to find gloves that fit now.:lol_hitti

Not as difficult as a friend of mine from my college days.... he had 6 fingers on each hand. The strangest part of this is that he was a sign painter, and it was very strange when people would see him painting a sign, and his hands just didn't look right holding the paint brush and the wooden piece that sign painters held in the other hand... don't know what that was called. Today, sign painters are just about a lost art.....

[Lu47Dan]

Go with the Little Giant , I bought mine at Sam's Club and do not regret spending the money on it . They had the Cosco setting right next to mine the day I purchased it the rack for the Cosco ladder was full and there was only one Little Giant left , Cosco was light in weight but looked cheaply built compared to the Little Giant . I have used it for everything from changing light bulbs to cleanig the gutters on the house and it holds me fine and I weigh 300+ lbs . Dan

[330Scott]

Thanks, Danski & SteveL. You guys just kept me from running off to HD and buying a Gorilla ladder. Wanted to save a few bucks, ya know.

[Junkman]

The one Gorilla ladder that I have is equal in quality to the Little Giant that I have, and works well also. It is the smallest model, so I really can't make a side by side comparison of the two. If they copied the Little Giant on the bigger ones, I would still buy the less expensive. I say, buy it today while it is on sale, and if you are not happy with it when you get it home and use it, save the receipt and return it. You can't beat that $89 price!!!!! :lol_hitti

[beanz2]

I just bought a Little Giant M22 from Sears for $197.99 before taxes yesterday. The sale on the M17 was not as good, so the price on the 22' was actually lower than the 17'. The Sears website is down now as everybody is shopping online today (Black Friday), but if you want a US made ladder at a good price check out Sears when their site is back up. I hope the good price is still available to you. Last time I checked out HD's price for the 22' Gorilla it was at $189 in store.

Dave

[greatbg]

I own the big Werner model, 22' I believe. I really love this ladder. It's so versatile and very stable. I would recommend one in a heartbeat.